PHIL 501

Spring 2012 All Classes

All Classes

Seminar History of Philosophy

Credit: 2 TO 4 hours.

Study of selected major philosophers, movements, problems, or topics in the history of philosophy; see Class Schedule for current topics.

Approved for both letter and S/U grading. May be repeated. Students may register in more than one section per term. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor for non-philosophy graduate students.

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PHIL 501 class schedule data for spring 2012
	CRN	Type	Section	Time	Day	Location	Instructor	Section Details
	57513	Lecture-Discussion	A	2:00PM -4:50PM	W	311 Davenport Hall	Sanders, K	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 01/17/12-05/02/12 Credit: 4 hours Section Title: SOCRATES Section Info: TOPIC: Socrates. This course will be divided into three, unequal units. For slightly more than the first half of the semester, we will use ancient accounts of Socrates? trial to structure an investigation into the historical figure, Socrates, and his cultural and philosophical milieu. So, for example, after a brief look at Socrates? account of his ?first accusers? in Plato?s Apology, we will spend one meeting devoted to a discussion of Socrates? representation in Old Comedy, especially Aristophanes? Clouds. In subsequent weeks, we?ll discuss the different responses offered by Plato and Xenophon respectively to each of the formal charges faced by Socrates, and what these might tell us about the conception of impiety at play in Socrates? trial, the role of orthodoxy vs. orthopraxy in Greek religion generally, the nature and function of Socrates? ?divine sign,? possible political motivations for the charge of ?corrupting the youth,? etc. For the second unit, we will devote several weeks to a detailed study of selections from Plato?s so?called ?Socratic? dialogues and key issues in the ?philosophy of Socrates? found therein, including, for example, the nature of virtue and its relationship to eudaimonia. Finally, we will look briefly at the reception of Socrates in later times and places. Student interest will help to determine our focus here to some extent, but possibilities include a brief survey of other ancient philosophers who styled themselves as ?Socratics?; the attitudes of Hellenistic philosophers toward Socrates; Socrates in nineteenth?century German thought (especially that of Nitezsche); or even Socrates in American thought or culture. Requirements: Students will be required to write short response papers (1-2 pages) weekly on assigned topics and to participate actively in translating (GRK 580) and/or discussing relevant readings. A substantial research paper of roughly 25 pages (on an approved topic) is expected from each student at the end of the semester.